Channelization procedure for implementing persistent ACK/NACK and scheduling request

ABSTRACT

In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes: configuring a common resource space having a plurality of time-frequency resources and code resources, where the common resource space includes a first portion for a first type of signaling and a second portion for a second type of signaling, where the first type of signaling includes at least one of persistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling, where the second type of signaling includes dynamic acknowledgement signaling; and allocating, based on the configured common resource space, resources of the common resource space for the at least one of persistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/466,248, filed Aug. 22, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/383,239, filed Mar. 20, 2009, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/070,907, filed Mar.26, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relategenerally to wireless communication systems, apparatus, methods andcomputer program products and, more specifically, relate to techniquesto signal information between a mobile device and a network device.

BACKGROUND

The following abbreviations that may be found in the specificationand/or the drawing figures are defined as follows:

3GPP third generation partnership project

ACK acknowledge

BS base station

BW bandwidth

CAZAC constant amplitude zero autocorrelation

CCE control channel element

CP cyclic prefix

CQI channel quality indicator

DL downlink (eNB towards UE)

eNB E-UTRAN Node B (evolved Node B)

EPC evolved packet core

E-UTRAN evolved UTRAN (LTE)

FDD frequency division duplex

FDMA frequency division multiple access

HARQ hybrid automatic repeat request

LTE long term evolution of UTRAN (E-UTRAN)

MAC medium access control (layer 2, L2)

MM/MME mobility management/mobility management entity

NACK negative acknowledge

Node B base station

OFDMA orthogonal frequency division multiple access

O&M operations and maintenance

PCFICH physical control format indicator channel

PDCCH physical downlink control channel

PDCP packet data convergence protocol

PDU protocol data unit

PHY physical (layer 1, L1)

PRB physical resource block

PUCCH physical uplink control channel

RLC radio link control

RRC radio resource control

RRM radio resource management

S-GW serving gateway

SC-FDMA single carrier, frequency division multiple access

SR scheduling request

UE user equipment, such as a mobile station or mobile terminal

UL uplink (UE towards eNB)

UTRAN universal terrestrial radio access network

ZAC zero autocorrelation

A proposed communication system known as evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN, alsoreferred to as UTRAN-LTE or as E-UTRA) is currently under developmentwithin the 3 GPP. The current working assumption is that the DL accesstechnique will be OFDMA, and the UL access technique will be SC-FDMA.

One specification of interest is 3GPP TS 36.300, V8.3.0 (2007-12), 3rdGeneration Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group RadioAccess Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) andEvolved Universal Terrestrial Access Network (E-UTRAN); Overalldescription; Stage 2 (Release 8), incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

FIG. 1 reproduces FIG. 4 of 3GPP TS 36.300, and shows the overallarchitecture of the E-UTRAN system 2. The E-UTRAN system 2 includes eNBs3, providing the E-UTRAN user plane (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane(RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE (not shown). The eNBs 3 areinterconnected with each other by means of an X2 interface. The eNBs 3are also connected by means of an S1 interface to an EPC, morespecifically to a MME by means of a S1 MME interface and to a S-GW bymeans of a S1-U interface (MME/S-GW 4). The S1 interface supports amany-to-many relationship between MMEs/S-GWs and eNBs.

The eNB hosts the following functions:

-   -   functions for RRM: RRC, Radio Admission Control, Connection        Mobility Control, Dynamic allocation of resources to UEs in both        UL and DL (scheduling);    -   IP header compression and encryption of the user data stream;    -   selection of a MME at UE attachment;    -   routing of User Plane data towards the EPC (MME/S-GW);    -   scheduling and transmission of paging messages (originated from        the MME);    -   scheduling and transmission of broadcast information (originated        from the MME or O&M); and    -   a measurement and measurement reporting configuration for        mobility and scheduling.

From a PUCCH resource allocation point of view, four basic types ofcontrol signals can be transmitted:

-   -   ACK/NACKs of dynamically scheduled DL data (PUCCH format 1a and        1b);    -   periodic CQIs (PUCCH format 2, 2a, and 2b);    -   SR indicators (PUCCH format 1); and    -   ACK/NACKs of persistently scheduled DL data (PUCCH format 1a and        1b).

Reference with regard to various PUCCH formats can be made to subclauses5.4.1, 5.4.2 and 5.4.3 of 3GPP TS 36.211 V8.1.0 (2007 November)Technical Specification 3rd Generation Partnership Project; TechnicalSpecification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal TerrestrialRadio Access (E-UTRA); Physical Channels and Modulation (Release 8),incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

For dynamic ACK/NACKs, it has been agreed that the PUCCH resource to beused is implicitly derived from the PDCCH CCE index. Due to the implicitmapping, the ACK/NACK channel on the PUCCH should be pre-configured byhigher layer signaling. This pre-configuration is typically referred toas ACK/NACK channelization. The details for implicit mapping of dynamicACK/NACKs have been agreed to in 3GPP.

The basic principle of implicit channelization of dynamic ACK/NACKs isto have a one-to-one mapping to the lowest CCE index. The total numberof CCEs depends on the system bandwidth and on the number of OFDMsymbols allocated for control signaling in a DL subframe, which issignaled in each subframe using the PCFICH (1, 2, or 3 OFDMsymbols/subframe). This means that, for example, with a 20 MHz systembandwidth the number of CCEs can be as many as 80 if three OFDM symbolsare allocated for control signaling in a subframe. However, if thePCFICH=1 there is a significantly smaller number of CCEs. This impliesthat the required amount of UL resources for the dynamic (implicit)ACK/NACKs can vary dynamically from one subframe to another.

It has also been agreed that the PUCCH resources used for periodic CQItransmission (e.g., the cyclic shift), the SR indicator and thepersistent ACK/NACK are explicitly configured. Furthermore, it has beenagreed that the PUCCH PRBs with CQI are to be placed on the outermostPRBs next to band edges, followed by the dynamic ACK/NACKs.

Although there is a general agreement concerning the resource allocationof each of these types of PUCCH signals, the specific details of how toallocate the PUCCH resources for SR and persistent ACK/NACK have not yetbeen worked out.

As noted above, the current agreement in 3GPP is to allocate resourcesfor CQI to the outermost PRBs next to band edges, and to allocate thedynamic ACK/NACKs next to the CQI resources. The principle is shown inFIG. 3. The number of CQI PRBs is signaled via higher layer using aparameter N_(RB) ⁽²⁾ (N_(RB) ⁽²⁾=7 in the example of FIG. 3).

Further, the CQI PRB having a largest index can be split to accommodateboth CQIs and dynamic ACK/NACKs with parameter N_(cs) ⁽¹⁾. The resourcesfor the dynamic ACK/NACKs are placed next to the CQI resources. AnACK/NACK index of a certain UE can be directly derived from its lowestCCE index, the number of PDCCH CCEs, and hence the number of implicitlyallocated dynamic ACK/NACK resources scales, according to the systembandwidth and the value of PCFICH.

The SR and persistent ACK/NACK configuration have not been discussed indetail in the 3GPP. The basic assumption has been, however, that aseparate resource pool (e.g. one or more PRBs) is semi-staticallyassigned for the SR and persistent ACK/NACK (see FIG. 3). However, onesignificant drawback of this approach is that due to the dynamicallyvarying PCFICH and hence the (possibly constantly) changing number ofdynamic (implicit) ACK/NACK resources/channels, there will exist anunused gap between the dynamic ACK/NACK channels and the SR andpersistent ACK/NACK channels when PCFICH<3. This leads to increased ULoverhead and/or spectrum fragmentation. Changes in the parameters N_(RB)⁽²⁾ (number of PRBs reserved for CQI) and/or N_(cs) ⁽¹⁾ will make thePUCCH space even more dynamic. The alternative, that is keeping N_(cs)⁽¹⁾ and N_(RB) ⁽²⁾ essentially constant, has the disadvantage of causingover-dimensioning of the periodic CQI resources, which is also wastefulof the spectrum.

SUMMARY

The below summary section is intended to be merely exemplary andnon-limiting.

The foregoing and other problems are overcome, and other advantages arerealized, by the use of the exemplary embodiments of this invention.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method comprising:configuring a common resource space comprised of a plurality oftime-frequency resources and code resources, where the common resourcespace is comprised of a first portion for a first type of signaling anda second portion for a second type of signaling, where the first type ofsignaling comprises at least one of persistent acknowledgement signalingand scheduling request signaling, where the second type of signalingcomprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling; and allocating, based onthe configured common resource space, resources of the common resourcespace for the at least one of persistent acknowledgement signaling andscheduling request signaling.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a program storagedevice readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program ofinstructions executable by the machine for performing operations, saidoperations comprising: configuring a common resource space comprised ofa plurality of time-frequency resources and code resources, where thecommon resource space is comprised of a first portion for a first typeof signaling and a second portion for a second type of signaling, wherethe first type of signaling comprises at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling, where thesecond type of signaling comprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling;and allocating, based on the configured common resource space, resourcesof the common resource space for the at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: at least one processor configured to configure a commonresource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources andcode resources, where the common resource space is comprised of a firstportion for a first type of signaling and a second portion for a secondtype of signaling, where the first type of signaling comprises at leastone of persistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling requestsignaling, where the second type of signaling comprises dynamicacknowledgement signaling, where the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to allocate, based on the configured common resource space,resources of the common resource space for the at least one ofpersistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling;and a transceiver configured to transmit or receive at least one messagein accordance with the allocation.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: means for configuring a common resource space comprised of aplurality of time-frequency resources and code resources, where thecommon resource space is comprised of a first portion for a first typeof signaling and a second portion for a second type of signaling, wherethe first type of signaling comprises at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling, where thesecond type of signaling comprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling;and means for allocating, based on the configured common resource space,resources of the common resource space for the at least one ofpersistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of exemplary embodiments of thisinvention are made more evident in the following Detailed Description,when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 reproduces FIG. 4 of 3GPP TS 36.300, and shows the overallarchitecture of the E-UTRAN system.

FIG. 2A shows a simplified block diagram of various exemplary electronicdevices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplaryembodiments of this invention.

FIG. 2B shows a more particularized block diagram of an exemplary userequipment such as that shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a conventional PUCCH mapping to PRBs.

FIG. 4 shows a division of implicit ACK/NACK and persistent ACK/NACK andSR into physical PRBs in accordance with the exemplary embodiments ofthis invention.

FIG. 5 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates the operation of anexemplary method, and a result of execution of computer programinstructions embodied on a computer readable memory, in accordance withthe exemplary embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in further detail the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention, reference is made to FIG. 2A for illustrating a simplifiedblock diagram of various exemplary electronic devices and apparatus thatare suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention. In FIG. 2A, a wireless network 1 is adapted for communicationover a wireless link 11 with an apparatus, such as a mobilecommunication device which may be referred to as a user equipment (UE)10, via a network access node, such as a Node 13 (base station), andmore specifically an eNB 12. The network 1 may include a network controlelement (NCE) 14 that may include the MME/S-GW functionality shown inFIG. 1, and which provides connectivity with one or more other networks,such as a telephone network and/or a data communications network (e.g.,the Internet). The UE 10 includes a controller, such as a computer or adata processor (DP) 10A, a computer-readable memory medium embodied as amemory (MEM) 10B that stores a program of computer instructions (PROG)10C, and a suitable radio frequency (RF) transceiver 10D forbidirectional wireless communications with the eNB 12 via one or moreantennas.

The eNB 12 includes a controller, such as a computer or a data processor(DP) 12A, a computer-readable memory medium embodied as a memory (MEM)12B that stores a program of computer instructions (PROG) 12C, and asuitable radio frequency (RF) transceiver 12D for communication with theUE 10 via one or more antennas. The eNB 12 is coupled via a data/controlpath 13 to the NCE 14. As a non-limiting example, the path 13 may beimplemented as the S1 interface shown in FIG. 1.

The NCE 14 includes a controller, such as a computer or a data processor(DP) 14A and a computer-readable memory medium embodied as a memory(MEM) 14B that stores a program of computer instructions (FROG) 14C. Asnoted above, the NCE 14 is coupled via a data/control path 13 to the eNB12. The eNB 12 may also be coupled to one or more other eNBs viadata/control path 15, which may be implemented as the X2 interface shownin FIG. 1, for example.

At least one of the PROGs 10C and 12C is assumed to include programinstructions that, when executed by the associated DP 10A, 12A, enablethe respective device to operate in accordance with the exemplaryembodiments of this invention, as will be discussed below in greaterdetail.

That is, the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implementedat least in part by computer software executable by the DP 10A of the UE10 and/or by the DP 12A of the eNB 12, or by hardware, or by acombination of software and hardware (and firmware).

For the purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention the UE 10 may be assumed to also include a unit 10E (“SR ANDACK/NACK”) for determining and reporting SR and ACK/NACK signaling tothe eNB 12. The eNB 12 includes a resource allocation and schedulingunit (“SCHEDULER”) 12E. The SR and ACK/NACK signaling unit 10E and thescheduler 12E are assumed to be constructed and operated in accordancewith the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as described in detailbelow.

In general, the various embodiments of the UE 10 can include, but arenot limited to, mobile nodes, mobile stations, mobile phones, cellularphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communicationcapabilities, mobile routers, relay stations, relay nodes, portablecomputers having wireless communication capabilities, image capturedevices such as digital cameras having wireless communicationcapabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities,music storage and playback appliances having wireless communicationcapabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet accessand browsing, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporatecombinations of such functions.

The MEMs 10B, 12B and 14B may be of any type suitable to the localtechnical environment and may be implemented using any suitable datastorage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flashmemory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices andsystems, fixed memory and removable memory, as non-limiting examples.The DPs 10A, 12A and 14A may be of any type suitable to the localtechnical environment, and may include one or more of general purposecomputers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signalprocessors (DSPs) and processors based on a multicore processorarchitecture, as non-limiting examples.

FIG. 2B illustrates further detail of an exemplary UE 10 in both planview (left) and sectional view (right). Exemplary embodiments of theinvention may be embodied in one or more combinations that include oneor more function-specific components, such as those shown in FIG. 2B. Asshown in FIG. 2B, the UE 10 includes a graphical display interface 20, auser interface 22 comprising a keypad, a microphone 24 and speaker(s)34. In further exemplary embodiments, the UE 10 may also encompasstouch-screen technology at the graphical display interface 20 and/orvoice-recognition technology for audio signals received at themicrophone 24. A power actuator 26 controls the UE 10 being turned onand/or off by the user. The UE 10 may include a camera 28, which isshown as forward facing (e.g., for video calls) but may alternatively oradditionally be rearward facing (e.g., for capturing images and videofor local storage). The camera 28 may be controlled by a shutteractuator 30 and optionally by a zoom actuator 30, which mayalternatively function as a volume adjustment for the speaker(s) 34 whenthe camera 28 is not in an active mode.

Within the sectional view of FIG. 2B are seen multiple transmit/receiveantennas 36 that are typically used for wireless communication (e.g.,cellular communication). The antennas 36 may be multi-band for use withother radios in the UE. The operable ground plane for the antennas 36 isshown by shading as spanning the entire space enclosed by the UEhousing, though in some embodiments the ground plane may be limited to asmaller area, such as disposed on a printed wiring board on which apower chip 38 is formed. The power chip 38 controls power amplificationon the channels being transmitted on and/or across the antennas thattransmit simultaneously, where spatial diversity is used, and amplifiesreceived signals. The power chip 38 outputs the amplified receivedsignal to the radio frequency (RF) chip 40, which demodulates anddownconverts the signal for baseband processing. The baseband (BB) chip42 detects the signal, which is then converted to a bit-stream andfinally decoded. Similar processing occurs in reverse for signalsgenerated in the UE 10 and transmitted from it.

Signals to and from the camera 28 pass through an image/video processor(video) 44, which encodes and decodes the image data (e.g., imageframes). A separate audio processor 46 may also be present to controlsignals to and from the speakers (spkr) 34 and the microphone 24. Thegraphical display interface 20 is refreshed from a frame memory (framemem) 48 as controlled by a user interface/display chip 50, which mayprocess signals to and from the display interface 20 and/or additionallyprocess user inputs from the keypad 22 and elsewhere.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the UE 10 may also include one or moresecondary radios such as a wireless local area network radio (WLAN) 37and/or a Bluetooth® radio (BT) 39, which may incorporate one or moreon-chip antennas or be coupled to one or more off-chip antennas.Throughout the UE 10 are various memories, such as a random accessmemory (RAM) 43, a read only memory (ROM) 45, and, in some exemplaryembodiments, a removable memory such as the illustrated memory card 47.In some exemplary embodiments, the various programs 10C are stored onthe memory card 47. The components within the UE 10 may be powered by aportable power supply such as a battery 49.

The aforesaid processors 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 50, if embodied as separateentities in the UE 10 or the eNB 12, may operate in a master-slaverelationship with respect to the main/master processor 10A, 12A.Exemplary embodiments of this invention may be most relevant to one ormore of the processors (e.g., components 10E and/or 12E in FIG. 1),though it is noted that other exemplary embodiments need not be disposedin such devices or components, but may be disposed across various chipsand/or memories as shown, or disposed within one or more otherprocessors that combine one or more of the functions described abovewith respect to FIG. 2B. Any or all of these various processors of FIG.2B may access one or more of the various memories, which may be on-chipwith the processor or separate therefrom. Similar function-specificcomponents that are directed toward communications over a networkbroader than a piconet (e.g., components 36, 38, 40, 42-45 and 47) mayalso be disposed in exemplary embodiments of the access node 12, which,in some exemplary embodiments, may include an array of tower-mountedantennas rather than the antennas 36 shown in FIG. 28.

Note that the various processors and/or chips (e.g., 38, 40, 42, etc.)described above may be combined into a fewer number of such processorsand/or chips and, in a most compact case, may be embodied physicallywithin a single processor or chip.

While described above in reference to memories, these components maygenerally be seen to correspond to storage devices, storage circuits,storage components and/or storage blocks. In some exemplary embodiments,these components may comprise one or more computer-readable mediums, oneor more computer-readable memories and/or one or more program storagedevices.

While described above in reference to processors, these components maygenerally be seen to correspond to processors, data processors,processing devices, processing components, processing blocks, circuits,circuit devices, circuit components, circuit blocks, integrated circuitsand/or chips (e.g., chips comprising one or more circuits or integratedcircuits).

Of particular interest herein are the Layer 1 (PHY) specifications forE-UTRAN (generally described in 3GPP TS 36.211 V8.1.0, 3GPP TS 36.213V8.2.0 and 3GPP TS 36.331 V8.1.0), including the resource allocation ofACK/NACKs of persistent DL data, referred to as persistent ACK/NACK, aswell as the SR indicator on the PUCCH. Novel techniques for allocatingthe resources for persistent ACK/NACK and SR are described below. As anon-limiting example, exemplary embodiments of the invention provide forflexible and efficient usage of control resources with low UL overheadand minimal impact on other system aspects.

The exemplary embodiments of this invention provide for resolving openand as yet unresolved issues in the UL control signal resourceallocation (e.g., how to allocate PUCCH resources for SR and persistentACK/NACK), while minimizing needed modifications (e.g., reconfigurationof persistent ACK/NACK and SR resources) and optimizing the UL controlsignaling overhead.

Another document of interest is R1-081460, “Channelization of SRI andpersistent ACK/NACK on PUCCH,” incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

The exemplary embodiments ofthis invention provide techniques forallocating resources for persistent ACK/NACK and SR. The resources maybe allocated in a relative manner, for example, beginning after (e.g.,immediately after) the dynamic ACK/NACK resources or, as anotherexample, beginning before the dynamic ACK/NACK resources. The resourcesmay also be allocated in a relative manner with respect to a number orsize of the CQI resources. In some exemplary embodiments, the CQIresources are located at a beginning of the resource space in question(e.g., the PUCCH). As a further example, the ACK/NACK and SR resourceindexes given by the eNB 12 via higher layer signaling may indicatewhich PUCCH resource to use relative to the resource of the dynamicACK/NACK resource with the highest index value n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, denoted asmax(n_(PUCHH,Dynamic) ⁽¹⁾). In further exemplary embodiments, thepersistent ACK/NACK and SR resources may utilize a common physicalresource space. In other exemplary embodiments, this common physicalresource space may further comprise resources allocated for the dynamicACK/NACK.

In some exemplary embodiments, the same staggered ACK/NACKchannelization structure as defined for the dynamic ACK/NACKs may alsobe used for persistent ACK/NACK and SR. Alternatively, a differentstaggered structure may be used for persistent ACK/NACK and SR than fordynamic ACK/NACKs. In such a case, the necessary staggered structureparameters may be included in the higher layer signaling.

For the case of a same staggered structure for all ACK/NACK and SRchannels, the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implementedas follows.

Two new parameters are introduced into the existing E-UTRAN-relatedspecification(s):

n_(SR) ⁽¹⁾=index for SR; and

n_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾=index for persistent ACK/NACK.

Both of these parameters may be configured semi-statically via RRCsignalling. It is also possible to utilize the PDCCH for configuringn_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾. Note that it has previously been agreed to in the3GPP that the resources used for SR and persistent ACK/NACK areexplicitly signalled. Hence, no additional signaling needs to bedefined. FIG. 4 shows an example how the implicit ACK/NACK, persistentACK/NACK and SR may be mapped onto PRBs. Note that FIG. 4 assumes anon-limiting case of Δ_(shift) ^(PUCCH)=2 and N_(cs) ⁽¹⁾=6.

In further exemplary embodiments, the persistent ACK/NACK and SR mayshare common physical resources. In such a case, two parameters may notbe needed and, instead, one parameter, such as N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, can beused.

It should be noted that the above approach does not introduce a problemwith respect to a re-mapping function operating within the allocatedACK/NACK PRBs. The signaling space (number of bits) reserved forn_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾ and n_(SR) ⁽¹⁾ defines the maximum number ofsimultaneous channels reserved for SR and persistent ACK/NACK.

FIG. 4 assumes that resource numbering for persistent ACK/NACK and SRbegins from max(n_(PUCCH,Dynamic) ⁽¹⁾)+1. It further assumes that thereis no allocation of SR and persistent ACK/NACK for resources reserved toimplicit ACK/NACK. In further exemplary embodiments, the above-notedassumptions may not hold. It is noted that it is possible to define thesignaling space for persistent ACK/NACK and SR also in such a mannerthat two resources are partially overlapping. For example, there may bea fixed-size bit-field in the RRC configuration that defines n_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾ for persistent ACK/NACK and SR. This approach allows for somesavings in ACK/NACK resources in those cases where the DL scheduler 12Eof the eNB 12 is configured to operate such that a certain part or partsof the implicit ACKJNACKs are not needed (e.g., these resources can beused by persistent ACK/NACK and SR). It should be noted that FIG. 4 ismerely exemplary, and that different arrangements and/or configurationsmay be utilized on conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of theinvention.

For the SR, the index (i.e., the PUCCH index) used in the channelizationformulas may be calculated as:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =n _(SR) ⁽¹⁾+max(n _(PUCCH,Dynamic) ⁽¹⁾)+1.

Similarly, for the persistent ACK/NACK the index may be derived as:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =n _(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾+max(n _(PUCCH,Dynamic) ⁽¹⁾)+1.

The equations above assume that the quantities n_(SR) ⁽¹⁾,n_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾ and n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ε{0, 1, 2, . . . }.

As was stated above, the quantity max(n_(PUCCH,Dynamic) ⁽¹⁾) can bereadily calculated since the value of the PCFICH and the systembandwidth are known by the UE 10, as they are used during normal DLreception/UL transmission. Therefore, the UE 10 transmitting persistentACK/NACK or SR needs to decode the PCFICH prior to transmitting thepersistent ACK/NACK or SR. Additionally, any methods (e.g., thatcurrently may be under discussion) that target reducing the implicitACK/NACK space can be taken into account in this calculation as theyaffect the number of implicit ACK/NACK channels. Otherwise, all of theformulas in the specification 3GPP TS 36.211 can be used without anychange needed.

The use of these exemplary embodiments provides a number of advantages.For example, they provide a simple and straightforward approach, whereno additional signaling is required. In addition, UL overhead isoptimized and spectrum fragmentation is avoided for those cases wherethere are varying numbers of implicit ACK/NACK channels and reservedperiodic CQI resources on the PUCCH. Further still, the use of theseexemplary embodiments does not affect any existing re-mappingfunction(s).

For the case where the different staggered structure is used forpersistent ACK/NACK and SR channels there can be additional changes tothe specification. For example, the resource allocation and re-mappingfunction for the last PRB containing dynamic ACK/NACK resources shouldbe similar to that of the PRB split between the CQI and ACK/NACKresources. This applies to the resource allocation and re-mappingfunctions of both dynamic and persistent ACK/NACK and SR resources.

Based on the foregoing it should be apparent that the exemplaryembodiments of this invention provide methods, apparatus and computerprogram(s) to accomplish resource allocation for persistent ACK/NACK andscheduling request signaling in a relative manner, beginning after(e.g., immediately after) dynamic ACK/NACK resources, where ACK/NACK andSR resource indices are specified to indicate which resource to userelative to the resource of the dynamic ACK/NACK resource with a highestindex value n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, denoted as max(n_(PUCCH,Dynamic) ⁽¹⁾).

The method, apparatus and computer program(s) of the precedingparagraph, where for an ACK/NACK and scheduling request staggeredstructure the following parameters are defined and configured:

-   -   n_(SR) ⁽¹⁾=an index for scheduling request (SR); and    -   n_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾=an index for persistent ACK/NACK,        where the signaling space reserved for n_(SR) ⁽¹⁾ and        n_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾ defines a maximum number of simultaneous        channels reserved for SR and persistent ACK/NACK.

The method, apparatus and computer program(s) of the precedingparagraphs, where for an SR index is calculated as:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =n _(SR) ⁽¹⁾+max(n _(PUCCH,Dynamic) ⁽¹⁾)+1,and where an ACK/NACK index is calculated as:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =n _(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾+max(n _(PUCCH,Dynamic) ⁽¹⁾)+1.

As previously noted, the equations above assume that the quantitiesn_(SR) ⁽¹⁾, n_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾ and n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ε{0, 1, 2, . . . }.

The method, apparatus and computer program(s) of the precedingparagraphs, where a user equipment is configured to compose physicalresource blocks for inclusion in a PUCCH in accordance with n_(SR) ⁽¹⁾and n_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾.

The method, apparatus and computer program(s) of the precedingparagraphs, where an eNB is configured to signal n_(SR) ⁽¹⁾ andn_(A/NPersistent) ⁽¹⁾ to the user equipment.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method comprising: determining anindex for an allocation within a resource space, where the resourcespace is comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources, where theresource space includes at least one predetermined allocation for atleast one of channel quality indicator signaling and dynamicacknowledgement signaling, where the allocation is for at least one ofpersistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling,where the index for the allocation is determined relative to the atleast one predetermined allocation; and allocating, based on thedetermined index, time-frequency resources ofthe resource space for theat least one of persistent acknowledgement signaling and schedulingrequest signaling.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method comprising: configuring aresource space (e.g., physical or logical), where the resource space iscomprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources and code resources,where the resource space includes at least one predetermined allocationfor at least one of channel quality indicator signaling and dynamicacknowledgement signaling, where an allocation in the resource space isfor at least one of persistent acknowledgement signaling and schedulingrequest signaling, where the resource space is common for dynamicacknowledgement signaling, persistent acknowledgement signaling andscheduling request signaling; and allocating a code resource from theconfigured resource space for the at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling.

While the above-described exemplary embodiments are with respect to anarrangement wherein resources for CQI are allocated to the outermostPRBs next to band edges, and to allocate the dynamic ACK/NACKs next tothe CQI resources (see, e.g., FIG. 3), the exemplary embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto and may be used in conjunction withother arrangements and allocations.

For example, instead of the above-described arrangement, a common PUCCHFormat 1/1a/1b space may be utilized. In this common resource space, afirst portion of resources may be reserved for persistent ACK/NACK andSR while a second portion of resources, disposed subsequent to or afterthe first portion, may be reserved for dynamic ACK/NACK. Such anarrangement may be seen as having the persistent ACK/NACK and SRresources utilizing a common physical resource space. In some exemplaryembodiments, this common resource space may be located after resourcesthat are allocated for CQI (e.g., CQI signaling).

As a further non-limiting example, consider that the followingproperties and/or aspects apply. The same staggered ACK/NACKchannelization structure as defined for the dynamic ACK/NACK may also beused for persistent ACK/NACK and SR. One parameter, n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, isutilized as an index for both the persistent ACK/NACK and the SR. Thisparameter may be configured semi-statically via RRC signaling. Thesignaling space (number of bits) reserved for n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ defines themaximum number of simultaneous channels reserved for SR and persistentACK/NACK. The signaling space for persistent ACK/NACK and SR is definedin such a manner that the two resources may partially overlap. There maybe a fixed-size bit-field in the RRC configuration that definesn_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ for persistent ACK/NACK and SR.

In some further exemplary embodiments, one parameter that is signaled(e.g., N_(RB) ⁽²⁾) indicates a number of resources (e.g., PRBs) that arereserved or allocated for the CQI. In such exemplary embodiments, thepersistent ACK/NACK and SR may be located relative to the signalednumber of resources (e.g., N_(RB) ⁽²⁾). As a non-limiting example, thisparameter may be broadcast.

In some further exemplary embodiments, another parameter may be signaled(e.g., n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ to indicate a number of resources (e.g., PRBs) thatare reserved or allocated for the common space (i.e., for the persistentACK/NACK and SR). As a non-limiting example, n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ may bebroadcast in order to indicate a size of the PUCCH format 1/1a/1b thatis reserved. As a further non-limiting example, and assuming that thedynamic ACK/NACK is located after the reserved common space, such aparameter may be utilized in order to determine a location of thebeginning of the portion reserved for dynamic ACK/NACK.

For example, the beginning of the dynamic ACK/NACK resources may bedetermined by:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =N _(RB) ⁽²⁾ +N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+1

In some exemplary embodiments, the “+1” may not be included, dependingon how the parameter ranges are defined, for example.

Below are provided further descriptions of various non-limiting,exemplary embodiments. The below-described exemplary embodiments areseparately numbered for clarity and identification. This numberingshould not be construed as wholly separating the below descriptionssince various aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments may bepracticed in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplaryembodiments. That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, suchas those described immediately below, may be implemented, practiced orutilized in any combination (e.g., any combination that is suitable,practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to thosecombinations described herein and/or included in the appended claims.

(1) In one exemplary embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 5, a methodcomprising: configuring a common resource space comprised of a pluralityof time-frequency resources and code resources, where the commonresource space is comprised of a first portion for a first type ofsignaling and a second portion for a second type of signaling, where thefirst type of signaling comprises at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling, where thesecond type of signaling comprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling(501); and allocating, based on the configured common resource space,resources of the common resource space for the at least one ofpersistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling(502).

A method as above, where the time-frequency resources are characterizedby a constant amplitude zero autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequence or zeroautocorrelation (ZAC) sequence having a length of twelve symbols (180kHz), a duration of one sub-frame and slot-based frequency hopping thatis symmetric over a center frequency. A method as in any above, wherethe time-frequency resources are characterized by a dedicated cyclicshift and a dedicated orthogonal cover code. A method as in any above,where the first type of signaling and the second type of signaling sharea common, staggered channelization structure. A method as in any above,where a resource index for the first type of signaling is signaledexplicitly via higher layer signaling or radio resource controlsignaling. A method as in any above, where a size for the first portionis signaled explicitly. A method as in any above, where the firstportion and the second portion partially overlap.

A method as in any above, further comprising: receiving a firstparameter indicative of a number of resources used for channel qualityindicator signaling. A method as in any above, further comprising:receiving a first parameter indicative of a first beginning resource touse for the first type of signaling. A method as in any above, furthercomprising: transmitting or receiving at least one message in accordancewith the allocation. A method as in any above, where the common resourcespace is for a portion of a physical uplink control channel. A method asin any above, where the common resource space is for at least onecommunication occurring within an evolved universal terrestrial radioaccess network. A method as in any above, where the common resourcespace is only for a portion (PUCCH Format 1/1a/1b) of a physical uplinkcontrol channel. A method as in any above, where the common resourcespace is not for a different portion (PUCCH Format 2/2a/2b) of aphysical uplink control channel.

A method as in any above, implemented as a computer program. A method asin any above, implemented as a computer program stored (e.g., tangiblyembodied) on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a program storage device,a memory). A computer program comprising computer program instructionsthat, when loaded in a processor, perform operations according to one ormore (e.g., any one) of the above-described methods. A method as in anyabove, implemented as a program of instructions tangibly embodied on aprogram storage device, execution of the program of instructions by amachine (e.g., a processor or a data processor) resulting in operationscomprising the steps of the method. A method as in any above, furthercomprising one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of theinvention as described in further detail herein, and, in particular, oneor more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention asrelating to exemplary methods described herein.

(2) In another exemplary embodiment, a program storage device readableby a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable bythe machine for performing operations, said operations comprising:configuring a common resource space comprised of a plurality oftime-frequency resources and code resources, where the common resourcespace is comprised of a first portion for a first type of signaling anda second portion for a second type of signaling, where the first type ofsignaling comprises at least one of persistent acknowledgement signalingand scheduling request signaling, where the second type of signalingcomprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling (501); and allocating, basedon the configured common resource space, resources of the commonresource space for the at least one of persistent acknowledgementsignaling and scheduling request signaling (502).

A program storage device as in any above, wherein the program storagedevice comprises a computer-readable medium, a computer-readable memory,a memory, a memory card, a removable memory, a storage device, a storagecomponent and/or a storage circuit. A program storage device as in anyabove, further comprising one or more aspects of the exemplaryembodiments of the invention as described in further detail herein, and,in particular, one or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments of theinvention as relating to exemplary methods described herein.

(3) In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: at least one processor configured to configure a commonresource space comprised of a plurality of time-frequency resources andcode resources, where the common resource space is comprised of a firstportion for a first type of signaling and a second portion for a secondtype of signaling, where the first type of signaling comprises at leastone of persistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling requestsignaling, where the second type of signaling comprises dynamicacknowledgement signaling, where the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to allocate, based on the configured common resource space,resources of the common resource space for the at least one ofpersistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling;and a transceiver configured to transmit or receive at least one messagein accordance with the allocation.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: receiving a firstparameter indicative of a first beginning resource to use for the firsttype of signaling. An apparatus as in any above, further comprising:transmitting or receiving at least one message in accordance with theallocation. An apparatus as in any above, where the common resourcespace is for a physical uplink control channel. An apparatus as in anyabove, where the common resource space is for at least one communicationoccurring within an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network.An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatus comprises a mobilestation, a mobile node or a mobile phone. An apparatus as in any above,where the apparatus comprises a base station, a relay station or anevolved Node B. An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatuscomprises a node within an evolved universal terrestrial radio accessnetwork.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects ofthe exemplary embodiments of the invention as described elsewhereherein, and, in particular, one or more aspects of the exemplaryembodiments of the invention as relating to exemplary apparatusdescribed herein.

(4) In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatuscomprising: means for configuring a common resource space comprised of aplurality of time-frequency resources and code resources, where thecommon resource space is comprised of a first portion for a first typeof signaling and a second portion for a second type of signaling, wherethe first type of signaling comprises at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling, where thesecond type of signaling comprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling;and means for allocating, based on the configured common resource space,resources of the common resource space for the at least one ofpersistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling.

An apparatus as above, further comprising: means for transmitting orreceiving at least one message in accordance with the allocation. Anapparatus as in any above, where the means for configuring and the meansfor allocating comprise at least one processor and the means fortransmitting or receiving comprises at least one transmitter, at leastone receiver or at least one transceiver.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: means for receiving afirst parameter indicative of a first beginning resource to use for thefirst type of signaling. An apparatus as in any above, where the commonresource space is for a physical uplink control channel. An apparatus asin any above, where the common resource space is for at least onecommunication occurring within an evolved universal terrestrial radioaccess network. An apparatus as in any above, where the apparatuscomprises a mobile station, a mobile node or a mobile phone. Anapparatus as in any above, where the apparatus comprises a base station,a relay station or an evolved Node B. An apparatus as in any above,where the apparatus comprises a node within an evolved universalterrestrial radio access network.

An apparatus as in any above, further comprising one or more aspects ofthe exemplary embodiments of the invention as described elsewhereherein, and, in particular, one or more aspects of the exemplaryembodiments of the invention as relating to exemplary apparatusdescribed herein.

The various blocks shown in FIG. 5 may be viewed as method steps, asoperations that result from operation of computer program code and/or asone or more coupled components (e.g., function blocks, circuits,integrated circuits, logic circuit elements) constructed to carry outthe associated function(s). The blocks may also be considered tocorrespond to one or more functions and/or operations that are performedby one or more components, apparatus, processors, computer programs,circuits, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs), chips and/or function blocks. Any and/or all of the above maybe implemented in any practicable arrangement or solution that enablesoperation in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the blocks shown in FIG. 5 should beconsidered merely exemplary and non-limiting. It should be appreciatedthat the blocks may correspond to one or more functions and/oroperations that may be performed in any order (e.g., any practicable,suitable and/or feasible order) and/or concurrently (e.g., aspracticable, suitable and/or feasible) so as to implement one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, one or moreadditional steps, functions and/or operations may be utilized inconjunction with those illustrated in FIG. 5 so as to implement one ormore further exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as thosedescribed in further detail herein.

That is, the non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of the invention shownin FIG. 5 may be implemented, practiced or utilized in conjunction withone or more further aspects in any combination (e.g., any combinationthat is practicable, suitable and/or feasible) and are not limited onlyto the blocks, steps, functions and/or operations illustrated in FIG. 5.

In general, the various exemplary embodiments may be implemented inhardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combinationthereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, whileother aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may beexecuted by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device,although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects ofthe exemplary embodiments of this invention may be illustrated anddescribed as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorialrepresentation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus,systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in,as nonlimiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purposecircuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or othercomputing devices, or some combination thereof.

It should thus be appreciated that at least some aspects of theexemplary embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in variouscomponents such as integrated circuit chips and modules, and that theexemplary embodiments of this invention may be realized in an apparatusthat is embodied as an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit, orcircuits, may comprise circuitry (as well as possibly firmware) forembodying at least one or more of a data processor or data processors, adigital signal processor or processors, baseband circuitry and radiofrequency circuitry that are configurable so as to operate in accordancewith the exemplary embodiments of this invention.

Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplaryembodiments of this invention may become apparent to those skilled inthe relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, any and allmodifications will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting andexemplary embodiments of this invention.

For example, while the exemplary embodiments have been described abovein the context of the E-UTRAN (UTRAN-LTE) system, it should beappreciated that the exemplary embodiments of this invention are notlimited for use with only this one particular type of wirelesscommunication system, and that they may be used to advantage in otherwireless communication systems.

It should be noted that the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variantthereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect,between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one ormore intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or“coupled” together. The coupling or connection between the elements canbe physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein, twoelements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” together bythe use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electricalconnections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such aselectromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region,the microwave region and the optical region (both visible andinvisible), as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

Further, the various names used for the described parameters (e.g.,n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾) are not intended to be limiting in any respect, as theseparameters may be identified by any suitable names. Further, theformulas and expressions that use these various parameters may differfrom those expressly disclosed herein. Further, the various namesassigned to different channels (e.g., PUCCH) are not intended to belimiting in any respect, as these various channels may be identified byany suitable names.

In general, the various exemplary embodiments may be implemented inhardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combinationthereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, whileother aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may beexecuted by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device,although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects ofthe invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is wellunderstood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methodsdescribed herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples,hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, generalpurpose hardware or controllers, other computing devices and/or somecombination thereof.

The exemplary embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in variouscomponents such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integratedcircuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex andpowerful software tools are available for converting a logic leveldesign into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formedon a semiconductor substrate.

Programs, such as those provided by Synopsys, Inc. of Mountain View,Calif. and Cadence Design, of San Jose, Calif. automatically routeconductors and locate components on a semiconductor chip using wellestablished rules of design as well as libraries of pre-stored designmodules. Once the design for a semiconductor circuit has been completed,the resultant design, in a standardized electronic format (e.g., Opus,GDSII, or the like) may be transmitted to a semiconductor fabricationfacility or “fab” for fabrication.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary andnon-limiting examples a full and informative description of theinvention. However, various modifications and adaptations may becomeapparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoingdescription, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings andthe appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of theteachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of thenon-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this invention.

Furthermore, some of the features of the various non-limiting andexemplary embodiments of this invention may be used to advantage withoutthe corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoingdescription should be considered as merely illustrative of theprinciples, teachings and exemplary embodiments ofthis invention, andnot in limitation thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a configurationfor a resource space comprising a plurality of time-frequency resources,wherein the resource space comprises a first portion for a first type ofsignaling and a second portion for a second type of signaling, saidsecond portion being at the end of the configured resource space, thefirst type of signaling comprises at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling, the secondtype of signaling comprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling, and thefirst type of signaling and the second type of signaling share a commonchannelization structure; receiving an allocation of resources of theresource space for the at least one of persistent acknowledgmentsignaling and scheduling request signaling, based on the configurationof the resource space; receiving a signal indicative of the firstportion; and determining a location of the beginning of the secondportion based on the first portion, wherein a resource index for thefirst type of signaling is received explicitly via higher layersignaling or radio resource control signaling.
 2. The method as claimedin claim 1, wherein the time-frequency resources are characterized by azero autocorrelation sequence having a length of twelve symbols, aduration of one sub-frame and/or slot-based frequency hopping that issymmetric over a center frequency.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the time-frequency resources are characterized by a dedicatedcyclic shift and/or a dedicated orthogonal cover code.
 4. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein a size for the first portion is signaledexplicitly.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:receiving a first parameter indicative of a number of resources used forchannel quality indicator signaling.
 6. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein the resource space is for a portion of a physical uplinkcontrol channel.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein theresource space is for at least one communication occurring within anevolved universal terrestrial radio access network.
 8. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing a program instructions executable by anapparatus for performing operations, said operations comprising:receiving a configuration for a resource space comprising a plurality oftime-frequency resources, wherein the resource space comprises a firstportion for a first type of signaling and a second portion for a secondtype of signaling, said second portion being at the end of theconfigured resource space, the first type of signaling comprises atleast one of persistent acknowledgement signaling and scheduling requestsignaling, the second type of signaling comprises dynamicacknowledgement signaling, and the first type of signaling and thesecond type of signaling share a common channelization structure;receiving an allocation of resources of the resource space for the atleast one of persistent acknowledgment signaling and scheduling requestsignaling, based on the configuration of the resource space; receiving asignal indicative of the first portion; and determining a location ofthe beginning of the second portion based on the first portion, whereina resource index for the first type of signaling is received explicitlyvia higher layer signaling or radio resource control signaling.
 9. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 8, whereinthe resource space is for at least one communication occurring within anevolved universal terrestrial radio access network.
 10. An apparatuscomprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory includingcomputer program instructions, the at least one memory and the computerprogram instructions being configured, with the at least one processor,to cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a configurationfor a resource space comprising a plurality of time-frequency resources,wherein the resource space comprises a first portion for a first type ofsignaling and a second portion for a second type of signaling, saidsecond portion being at the end of the configured resource space, thefirst type of signaling comprises at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling, the secondtype of signaling comprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling, and thefirst type of signaling and the second type of signaling share a commonchannelization structure; receiving an allocation of resources of theresource space for the at least one of persistent acknowledgmentsignaling and scheduling request signaling, based on the configurationof the resource space; receiving a signal indicative of the firstportion; and determining a location of the beginning of the secondportion based on the first portion, wherein a resource index for thefirst type of signaling is received explicitly via higher layersignaling or radio resource control signaling.
 11. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 10, wherein the apparatus comprises a mobile station, amobile node or a mobile phone.
 12. A method comprising: configuring aresource space comprising a plurality of time-frequency resources,wherein the resource space comprises a first portion for a first type ofsignaling and a second portion for a second type of signaling, saidsecond portion being at the end of the configured resource space, thefirst type of signaling comprises at least one of persistentacknowledgement signaling and scheduling request signaling, the secondtype of signaling comprises dynamic acknowledgement signaling, and thefirst type of signaling and the second type of signaling share a commonchannelization structure; allocating, based on the configuration of theresource space, resources of the resource space for the at least one ofpersistent acknowledgment signaling and scheduling request signaling;sending a signal indicative of the first portion whereby a location ofthe beginning of the second portion is determined based on the firstportion, wherein a resource index for the first type of signaling issent explicitly via higher layer signaling or radio resource controlsignaling.
 13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing aprogram instructions executable by an apparatus for performingoperations, said operations comprising: configuring a resource spacecomprising a plurality of time-frequency resources, wherein the resourcespace comprises a first portion for a first type of signaling and asecond portion for a second type of signaling, said second portion beingat the end of the configured resource space, the first type of signalingcomprises at least one of persistent acknowledgement signaling andscheduling request signaling, the second type of signaling comprisesdynamic acknowledgement signaling, and the first type of signaling andthe second type of signaling share a common channelization structure;allocating, based on the configuration of the resource space, resourcesof the resource space for the at least one of persistent acknowledgmentsignaling and scheduling request signaling; sending a signal indicativeof the first portion whereby a location of the beginning of the secondportion is determined based on the first portion, wherein a resourceindex for the first type of signaling is sent explicitly via higherlayer signaling or radio resource control signaling.
 14. An apparatuscomprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory includingcomputer program instructions, the at least one memory and the computerprogram instructions being configured, with the at least one processor,to cause the apparatus at least to perform: configuring a resource spacecomprising a plurality of time-frequency resources, wherein the resourcespace comprises a first portion for a first type of signaling and asecond portion for a second type of signaling, said second portion beingat the end of the configured resource space, the first type of signalingcomprises at least one of persistent acknowledgement signaling andscheduling request signaling, the second type of signaling comprisesdynamic acknowledgement signaling, and the first type of signaling andthe second type of signaling share a common channelization structure;allocating, based on the configuration of the resource space, resourcesof the resource space for the at least one of persistent acknowledgmentsignaling and scheduling request signaling; sending a signal indicativeof the first portion whereby a location of the beginning of the secondportion is determined based on the first portion, wherein a resourceindex for the first type of signaling is sent explicitly via higherlayer signaling or radio resource control signaling.
 15. The apparatusas claimed in claim 14, wherein the plurality of time-frequencyresources are characterized by a zero autocorrelation sequence having alength of twelve symbols, a duration of one sub-frame and/or slot-basedfrequency hopping that is symmetric over a center frequency, and/or by adedicated cyclic shift and/or a dedicated orthogonal cover code.
 16. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 14, where the memory and the computerprogram code are further configured, with the at least one processor, tocause the apparatus to perform signaling a size for the first portionexplicitly, and/or signaling a number of resources used for channelquality indicator signaling.